Cedar Park proclaims June as Pride Month and recognizes Juneteenth; residents and faith leaders urge safer spaces for LGBTQ youth

Mayor James Penman Moore and the Cedar Park City Council read proclamations at their June 12 meeting recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month and June 19 as Juneteenth. The proclamations were followed by public comments from local residents, faith leaders and a Cedar Park Police Department representative who urged the council to support safe gathering places and stronger partnerships to protect LGBTQ residents, particularly teens.

The Pride Month proclamation, read by Mayor Moore, affirmed the city's commitment to "diversity, equity, and belonging" and said Cedar Park is "committed to advancing equality and respect for all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression." The Juneteenth proclamation, read later by Councilmember Kevin Harris, commemorated the June 19, 1865, announcement of emancipation in Galveston, Texas, and called for reflection and education about the continuing pursuit of justice and equality.

The meeting's public-comment period included multiple speakers who framed the proclamations as more than ceremonial. Judy Schroeder, identified as president of Deer Park Pride and a city resident, thanked the council and described the importance of visibility for LGBTQ people who lacked representation while growing up in conservative areas of Texas. Schroeder said visibility provides affirmation and reduces isolation.

Reverend Dr. Josh Robinson, senior pastor at Hope Presbyterian Church and a Cedar Park resident, called on the city to "partner with local businesses, nonprofits and faith communities" to develop "safe gathering spaces for LGBTQIA teenagers". Robinson cited research, including findings from the Trevor Project, saying affirming environments and access to accepting adults significantly lower rates of anxiety, depression and suicide attempts among queer youth. He told the council: "We must respond proactively to the mental health crisis that is facing our LGBTQIA plus teens." (speaker: Reverend Dr. Josh Robinson)

Anna Fugate Downs, a resident who described herself as part of a straight-presenting couple married to a drag performer, thanked the Cedar Park Police Department by name for partnering with Cedar Park Pride and said that police engagement had reduced fear among participants. Officer Kyle McCall of the Cedar Park Police Department later presented the council with a department challenge coin bearing an inclusive-pride flag motif; Chief Mike Carmen and Officer McCall were both thanked by speakers for department involvement.

Reverend Joanna Fontaine Crawford, minister of Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park, said she appreciated the proclamation and added that affirming congregations should not be the only places queer people can feel safe: "Live Oak and other affirming churches should never have to be a bunker from a larger community that makes individuals feel unwelcome because of who they are or who they love."

Council members expressed support on the dais for the proclamations and the police outreach. The meeting record shows no council vote was required to issue the proclamations; speakers used the agenda time to ask council to pursue further actions—particularly an initiative to identify or create safe, youth-focused gathering spaces and to consider policy or education steps that would reduce discrimination and improve public safety for LGBTQ residents.

Council and staff did not adopt a specific program or appropriation during the meeting; proponents asked that the council consider follow-up agenda items to study options for creating safe spaces and formalizing partnerships with nonprofits and faith communities.

Ending: Multiple speakers framed the proclamations as a starting point for action, urging the council to turn proclamations into ongoing support, outreach and protective measures for LGBTQ youth and families in Cedar Park.